Former Bridlington boss’ big day

John Edwards

Former Bridlington Town boss Billy Heath is preparing for the highlight of his managerial career this weekend.

Heath will lead out his North Ferriby side in the FA Trophy final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, when they take on Wrexham.

Heath returned to Queensgate for a charity game in 2010.

A crowd of around 25,000 is expected for the game, which sees The Villagers from the Conference North hoping to spring a surprise against opponents who won the trophy two years ago.

Heath was in the hot seat at Bridlington for five years, alongside his assistant ‘Bobby’ Carroll, and led the Seasiders from the NCEL Division One to the NPL Premier Division, as well as reaching seven cup finals.

Heath said: “There will be nobody prouder than me when I lead out the team on Sunday.

“I enjoyed playing for this club and to be able to manage it in a Wembley final is just unbelievable.

Billy Heath is ready for Wembley

“It’s a huge game for everybody at the club, the players, the chairman, committee and staff. The response of the players since the semi-final has been tremendous as they have all wanted to make a claim to be in the final squad.

“I want the players to play the match and not the occasion. We have to make sure we put a performance on.

“We know we will have to be at, or close to, our best form if we are to win. Wrexham will obviously start as favourites but we showed last season that we are capable of beating Conference National teams.

“However, nobody is expecting us to win and that puts all the pressure on Wrexham.”